Port Askaig is an anonymous Islay malt typically sourced from Caol Ila with few exceptions. It is often priced attractively, below most other Islay whiskies, and bottled by Elixir Distillers (former owners of The Whisky Exchange, and current owners of Tormore Distillery). While there are all manner of special releases, from single casks to impressive age statements, the 8 Year and 110 Proof seem to be the most common to find on a shelf.

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Whisky: Port Askaig 8 Year

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 45.8%

Cask: Refill American Oak

Age: 8 Years (Bottled 2018)

Notes: Medicinal, acrid, and creamy— the aroma carried mugwort into a collision with creamy nougat and overcooked sugars. Charred wood arrived next with a hint of maritime and mineralic brine— like mineral water bathes with burning medicinal herbs and incense. More cream appeared with pepper and a bit of acrid creosote; milk tea in a new parking lot? Medium to light-bodied, the flavor profile was simple with more nougat, salted caramel, and peanut brittle offering cooked sugars with a healthy dose of acrid roadwork and tar. Mugwort and camphor drifted in and out as medicinal and herbal notions, perhaps horehound and mallow at times, appeared. The finish was medium-length with a kiss of pepper, brine, and cooked sugars.

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Score: 5-6 (75)

Mental Image: Apothecary at Club Med

Conclusion: Pleasant, tasty, balanced, and a bit thin on the palate, this mystery malt (Caol Ila) was drinkable and approachable. The peat-shy may still find it a touch too acrid, but the flavors were clear and simple, easy to follow, and well-suited for a casual and relaxing evening. I prefer my Caol Ila fruitier than this, but I also find that these slightly medicinal flavor profiles do best when they are cut down closer to 46%, as this was.  Overall, enjoyable fare, I might buy this over most entry-level (lowest price point) Islay malts with the exception of Lagavulin 16 or Port Charlotte 10, both of which are more expensive.